Discusses the collective history of the discovery and development of the transistor. Describes the different interpretations of Shockley, Brattain, and others; discusses the military's lackluster response to transistor discovery. Describes the discovery of PN junction and the importance of early silicon research; discusses his group's search for semiconductor amplifier. Lists and describes what he believes to be the most crucial experiments during this time of development; discusses the accidental nature of some of their research. Describes the various applications for junction transistors and their development in the military and consumer sectors.